Koreans dominate Sta. Lucia Amateur golf

MANILA, Philippines – Jun John cruised to the Open championship while Back Seung-hyeon took the Class A crown with a strong windup as the South Koreans dominated the Sta. Lucia Amateur Open final qualifying leg at Summit Point Golf and Country Club in Lipa, Batangas yesterday.

Jun, who strung up a pair of 75s to seize control in the premier division, slowed down with an 80 in another tough day at the windy layout but the Riviera, Silang mainstay still won by 10 on a 230 aggregate over Lee Geon, who pooled a 240 after a 79.

Back, on the other hand, needed to birdie two of the last five holes to finish with a 78 for a 152 and post a three-stroke victory over compatriot Yang Jung-kyung, who carded 78 for a 155, in the event put up by Sta. Lucia and sponsored by by A-Paints, Hexat, Pomelo Tee and U-Freight.

The victories thus netted Jun and Back berths in the Tournament of Champions at Beverly Place in Pampanga, which will also feature the other top winners in the other qualifying legs at Eagle Ridge, Orchard and Palos Verdes.

Alan Alegre, a regular member at Summit Point, skied to an 80 after a sizzling opening 67 for a 147, nipping Abe Avena, who rallied with a 73 for a 148, by one for the Class A crown.

Kim Hui-won topped the ladies division with a 171 after an 84, edging Ester Fasol, who carded an 86 for a 173, by two.

The event is backed by Gatorade, VMJ Evergreen, Isuzu, ICSI, Palos Verdes, Mizuno, Kang Ho Bong, LK Golf, Burgers & Brewskies, WGC, Agrexplore, Orchard, Summit Point, Beverly Place, DBS, Rub Ribs and Eagle Ridge.